| Places to ride
in Pittsburgh
Bavington
Bavington is probably the local Mecca of mountain biking
and treats its riders to tight single track, rolling
terrain, and great scenery. Bavington, located near
StarLake Amphitheater, is part of the PA State Gamelands.
. Follow I279 south and take the US22/30 exit.
South Park
South Park, nestled between Bethel Park, Library, and
Baldwin, has riding for both road and mountain bikers.
The bike lane along Corrigan Drive is 2.5 miles long
and is often crowded with pedestrians and in-line skaters.
It is a great place to style on your cruiser. However,
taking any of the intersecting streets can lead to some
interesting road riding.
For mountain bikers, there are miles of single track
throughout South Park. Some good places to start includes
a trail that runs behind Splash 'n Skate, the Girl Scout
Trail that climbs to the Wave Pool, and The Golf Course
trail. There are many other trails to explore. However,
some land accessible from South Park trail-heads are
posted against trespassing, so rider beware.
Moraine
Moraine State Park, located north of Pittsburgh, offers
extremes in riding. Winding through the park is a 7.5
mile paved bike path. Designed with the recreational
rider in mind, the bike path is a great place to take
the family and enjoy a nice ride. At the turn around
point is a snack bar to fuel up for the ride back to
the car.
At the other extreme, Moraine boasts one of the more
technical loops around. Littered with stones, boulders,
and roots, this 7 mile loop challenges even skilled
mountain bikers. Once at the park, follow the signs
to the trailhead.
Boyce Park
Boyce Park, located off the Parkway East near Monroeville,
has miles of technical single track and wide multi-track.
Like many other places, there are plenty of trails to
explore. A good place to begin is at the "Log House".
There is a map of trails located at the park to help
point you in the right direction. Don't forget to look
out for hikers and picnickers, especially on weekends.
Settler's Cabin
Settler's Cabin, located off the Campbell's Run Road
exit of I279 south, has many miles of multi-track and
tight single track trails. Many of the trails have become
heavily rutted with monster puddles from overuse, but
it still offers unique riding not far from the city.
A good place to start your ride is from the tennis
court parking lot. You will see the trailhead, which
leads into the woods. That begins a tight, winding ride.
You can follow this trail for about 5 miles. There are
many trails that intersect this trail, so there is plenty
of opportunity to explore and come up with your own
loop. Be sure that you have a patch kit, extra tube,
and pump because many of the trails are covered with
soft pine needles and have caused many a flat.
Mingo Creek Park
Mingo Creek Park, located in Washington County near
Peters Township, has miles of rolling single track with
some long climbs.
Frick Park
Frick Park, with trail entrances on Beachwood Boulevard,
Forbes Avenue, Braddock Avenue, Reynolds Street and
Forward Avenue, offers gentle bike trails to hairy,
ultra-technical downhills. There are many trailheads
and intersecting trails to ride. Be careful of your
speed because there are many pedestrians and dogs (both
leashed and unleashed).
Yough River Tail, Montour Trail
The local area boasts some of the best rails-to-trails
in the US.
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